Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Moving to Mars

Rate this book
A hilarious book about our solar system’s most buzz-worthy Mars!

Mars likes peace and quiet, and is not happy when unexpected visitors start showing up. But when they leave, Mars realizes being alone isn't all that great. Mars reaches out to his space friends—including his best bud, Earth—for comfort and help. Maybe Mars is a people planet after all!

In the follow-up to her critically acclaimed book A Place for Pluto, author Stef Wade interweaves friendship and humor while seamlessly integrating tidbits about our solar system. An out-of-this-world gift for your littlest space explorers!

Audible Audio

Published April 25, 2024

45 people want to read

About the author

Stef Wade

15 books42 followers
Stef is the best-selling author of A PLACE FOR PLUTO, THE VERY LAST LEAF & Q&U CALL IT QUITS, MOVING TO MARS and EVERY DAY'S A HOLIDAY.

A PLACE FOR PLUTO was a 2018 Barnes & Noble story time pick, 2019 TXLA 2×2 Reading List Book, 2019 UK Summer Reading Challenge book, a 2019 LITA Golden Duck Notable Picture Book, and runner-up for the 2020 Magnolia Book Award.

Stef is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She’s bounced all over the midwest with her college sweetheart husband and her three historically and literary named brood of boys and currently resides in the greater Milwaukee area.

Stef is represented by Christa Heschke of McIntosh & Otis.

For more information, visit www.stefwade.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
54 (53%)
4 stars
26 (25%)
3 stars
17 (16%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
3,115 reviews166 followers
March 13, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Moving to Mars is a delightful little gem of a book for children explaining the differences between Mars and Earth and how Earth is more inhabited than Mars, but showing the potential Mars has to become inhabitable to humans. The book contains information in a fun and remembirable way for children and has some great illustrations and even a few jokes thrown in, too.
I loved how the additional information was written like an advertisement for a holiday to Mars and was again told in a fun, unique, and memorable way. This book would be a great asset to any child learning about space and the solar system, in school and at home!
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,302 reviews3,458 followers
February 10, 2022
Thank you, Capstone, for the advance reading copy.

This story picture book is a basic beginner's book to explain the basic differences between the Mars and the Earth trying to tell some basic things on what makes the Earth a habitable planet while for Mars it isn't.

The illustrated artwork is basic and quite easy to follow.

A fun book to read with kids. I will be following this series.
Profile Image for donna backshall.
829 reviews231 followers
February 20, 2022
Mars is perfectly happy, living his best life alone in his orbit. The occcasional fly-by of a meteor or comet didn't bother him much, but he was less than impressed by Earth sending rockets ("tourists") to take pics or otherwise mess up his regolith.

"GET OFF MY LAWN!"

But then, he started getting used to the company. Was he frustrated that Earth was only sending robots who couldn't hang out and chat? Sure, but he started thinking maybe he could get some people too, like Earth. All the nearby moons and planets told he needed an atmosphere or to be otherwise habitable. He started brainstorming.

"Maybe Mars is a people planet after all!"

And that's when Mars realized he had a whole solar system of friends, others to keep him company while he patiently waited for Earth people to come visit, to sit and stay a while.

I received a free copy of Moving to Mars from NetGalley and Capstone Publishers, in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, this book was a delight and I'd actively seek out anything else written by Stef Wade.

Profile Image for Brianne (bri_newt_reads).
375 reviews4 followers
March 8, 2022
Moving to Mars is a cute children's story about how Mars, who is used to being a loner, thinks having visitors may not be so bad. The pictures are beautiful and eye-catching, but the title is a little misleading. The story mainly focuses on Mars and the emotions he goes through and not necessarily focusing on people moving there. The story does do a great job teaching children facts about Mars. Overall, it kept my child's attention and I would read it to her again.
8,962 reviews130 followers
February 14, 2022
Unusual book, that is either about the anxiety of dealing with friends, as conveyed by a planet who at first hates probes and rocket landings and satellites, but comes to want human presence on his surface – or it's a bit of Muskian propaganda in line with his conspiring to colonise Mars. Either way, the visual craft in anthropomorphising the planet is wonderful, and there's a bit of easy science here as well as some daft jokes and a summary of our Martian exploration to date. It is peculiar that that is dressed up with such a layer of self-help friendship advice for the very young, mind.
Profile Image for Erin.
492 reviews35 followers
May 24, 2022
I read this book to my 8 1/2 year old son (he still loves to be read to) and he absolutely loved it. I feel like this book would draw any kids attention with the bright colored illustrations and how it was! My son has always loved learning about the solar system and he said what he liked about this one is that not only is it a fun book, but it also includes lessons as well as some education tidbits. This one’s a definite winner of books for kiddos!
Profile Image for Lindsay.
299 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2022
Stef Wade hits it out of the galaxy again!
296 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2022
My daughter wanted to read this book because "it has planets on it". She liked how Mars grew less grumpy and more happy. The story was simple. The pictures are cute. The ending felt a little lacking. I was asked, "what happens next". So maybe that was the aim of the author. If a child is already interested in space, then give this one a try.
Profile Image for kristen.
43 reviews14 followers
February 11, 2022
Thank you, Capstone, for the advanced release copy. This lovely book is my absolute favorite kind of picture book - an easy to follow plot about planets and friendship, laugh out loud funny lines, and informative space facts seamlessly sprinkled on nearly every page. The last page is full of fun tidbits about Mars arranged in a inventive travel guide format. The illustrations are eye-catching and engaging without being overwhelming. This book is a fantastic read aloud and belongs on the shelf of any kid who loves laughing or space or laughing about space!
Profile Image for Sandra Nickel.
Author 8 books62 followers
February 11, 2022
Stef Wade, the author of A Place for Pluto, has done it again! With illustrations by Erin Taylor, Moving to Mars brings the red planet to vibrant and hilarious life! Wade personifies Mars, highlighting his idiosyncrasies and emotional turmoil, in a quest to bring visitors to his own little corner of space. Space Fans will be delighted by this combination fo self-discovery and real-life Mars facts. I love Wades approach here. In fact, I have to say it's *out of this world.*
Profile Image for Amit Misra.
27 reviews
May 23, 2022
The book is titled 'Moving To Mars', written by Stef Wade and illustrated by Erin Taylor. The title is self-explanatory to a certain extent. This book is meant for children and is part picture book and part story book. Here space science or rather space exploration is presented as a potpourri of art, science, and humour. I haven’t yet come across any other book of this nature and never thought that science in general and space science in particular could be presented in such a charming manner. This book is unique on all accounts.

The illustrations are made in bright and bold colours and would definitely lift your spirits. You can have a fairly accurate idea about how they look from the cover image of the book. As the book is short in length — suitable for young readers — it would not be proper for me to quote any extracts from the book. Here you will have to trust me that all humorous pieces are fresh and sure to bring a smile on your face.

In brief, the book tells the story of Mars, who prefers to be a loner and content in his own little world. He does not have friends and is annoyed by visitors — notable among them being his own satellites, meteoroids, comets and explorations from Earth. Soon he gets used to them and looks forward to having more cordial relations with them. Once Earth told him about her inhabitants, and Moon told about missions to his soil. Rest of the book tells about the various preparations Mars makes in order to attract human explorers. He is supported by Earth and other planets who present to him their sound advice supported by information and wisdom.

Thus, this book brings Mars closer to us and gives it a human face — with human thoughts, human emotions and need for connections. It takes up space exploration from the perspective of the red planet and that too in a cute and funny manner. Somehow I felt the story to be short and incomplete, but then the journey of exploration of Mars is itself still in progress. In a way, the absence of a conclusion and an open climax provides fuel for imagination and would pull the young audience into taking interest in the latest developments in the field. The author could also have gone into further depth and given details about Mars or space exploration. But the field is so involved that I wonder whether it is possible to do so without overwhelming the young mind.

This book would definitely make a good gift item for your children and would open them to the exciting world of space exploration in a language they understand and love. Who knows, one of them may even become part of a future mission to Mars!
Profile Image for K.A. Goodsell.
Author 7 books13 followers
May 24, 2022
Moving to Mars is a children's illustrated fiction where we can learn about Mars and how planets have feelings too, just like everyone else!

The cover is adorable and mirrors the internal illustrations. I love the colors that they chose and the characters faces were really well developed.

Throughout the pages we learn that Mars isn't too happy with visitors such as the Mars Rover, satellites and more. Yet, over time he realizes that maybe he doesn't mind them too much and actually likes the company. Yet, when they leave he becomes lonely and would like to learn about how other planets were able to have visitors from Earth. So, what's the best thing to do when asking about human visitors? Ask Earth and the Moon itself as those two have seen them first hand!

Mars learns that humans would like to visit one day so he starts to loosen up - telling jokes, hanging out with the other planets and becoming friends, and starting to learn that he can just be himself and doesn't have to hide his feelings.

Five stars. Great, children's book! I love the highlighted phrases and words that readers can pick up on and learn about, alongside in the back of the book there's information about Mars. Did you know it would take a 9 month non stop ride to get to Mars? I didn't before, but now I do!

Wade also has another book out called A Place for Pluto that I'll be checking out too!

Thanks to the author, Stef Wade, the publisher, Capstone, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy to read and review. Review will also be posted to my blog (www.kagoodsell.com/book-reviews), GoodReads, TikTok (@unearthingeco), as well as NetGalley reviews.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,102 reviews16 followers
February 27, 2022
This super cute picture book personifies the planet mars and teaches students facts about space exploration and planets in a fun and creative way. The pictures are beautifully illustrated by Erin Taylor and tell the story almost as much as the words do. Author, Stef Wade masterfully crafted a story that will be loved by both children and adults. From funny historical jokes that will likely go over young children's heads to silly speech bubbles that will have kids smiling, this book will definitely become a classroom or family favourite!

Chalked full of scientific and historic information about space exploration, this book is fictional but very educational. From halley's comet to the moon landing, space exploration from the last century is told from the perspective of the planets in a cute but interesting way. Space is a high interest topic in elementary classrooms but the content is often too challenging for most young readers to access. I think this book is accessible, if even just looking at the pictures, for all early readers and gives them an opportunity to explore a subject that is often seen as "something you'll learn more about one day".

I'm excited to purchase a copy of this book for my Grade 3 classroom. In the meantime, I am so appreciative of Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this amazing book!
Profile Image for MookNana.
847 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2022
Mars likes peace and quiet and just wants to be left alone! However, between moons and strange visitors who insist on taking pictures and even driving around, Mars is very grumpy. However, as these pesky tourists keep coming by, Mars finds he...might like the company? And may even want some people of his own???

This is a cute introduction to planets and space exploration for early elementary kids. There is a lot of information hinted at in the text (everything from Halley's Comet to terraforming) but it's left to the reader to question and investigate further. As such, this can either be a quick, casual survey or the spark for a deeper dive. The illustrations are vivid and cute and the story is very engaging for its intended audience. This would be a great classroom read and a great addition to the home libraries of budding scientists!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Profile Image for benita.
641 reviews63 followers
March 7, 2022
A perfect children’s book for fans of space!

Mars, the fourth planet from the sun, was perfectly content with his life alone, but as he got visitors he wanted to experience life on their planet themselves.

The illustrations were so fun, and cute. I really liked the small facts about Mars, and how we get the question at the end: people are welcome at Mars? I’ve always wondered if us humans traveling to Mars is a good idea or a bad idea; are we going to mess this planet up like we are slowly done Earth? As this is a children’s book, it is about how a lonely planet suddenly turns their mind and wants to have friends as well. So adorable to read.

I recommend!

I got this book for free from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
24 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2022
This funny but information packed picture book personifies Mars taking you through what Mars sees and feels about his neighboring moons and planets and being visited by human space craft. The cartoon personified Mars is really cute and the expressions on his face really made me connect to him as a character. The reader learns various facts about Mars and the challenges of sending people there including many of the facts I wanted my 8th grade science students to learn. I could see having kids sketch a Mars cartoon in their science notebook and illustrate what they learned after reading this. It would be an enjoyable entry into studying the planets or as a jumping off point to talk about human exploration of the solar system.

Profile Image for Dani Littel.
127 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2022
Oh! This was such a fun read-aloud. In recent years, there's been an increase in space-themed read-aloud that incorporate fun and facts. This is such a good turn from 100% nonfiction with dry facts. The basis of this story is that Mars is a grump who wants no friends. Slowly, he realizes that he could use some company, even perhaps human company. With the help of his other planet friends, he puts a plan into action to attract humans. I loved that the information in the back of the book was formatted as an attraction guide. Another great feature is how beautiful the illustrations are. So well done and a classroom staple!
Profile Image for Read All About It Books.
18 reviews
July 28, 2022
This was a really good read for our homeschool family. We love to read about space and this book was different to any we have read before. The story is presented from the viewpoint of a lonely, and sometimes grumpy planet, Mars. Mars is a loner who likes his peace and quiet. Apart from his moons, Phobos and Deimos, and an occasional meteoroid passing by, he enjoys being alone. That is until a small rover arrives. We really enjoyed the jokes that were scattered throughout the story. One very pleasing aspect of the book was that it very lightly touched upon the importance of ethical planetary exploration. This is a book we can definitely explore further in our homeschool. Thank you NetGalley for access to this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sandy Brehl.
Author 8 books134 followers
September 4, 2022
This companion title (to A PLACE FOR PLUTO) continues the magical mix of lined text, speech bubbles, factual references and personified planets with a knack for wordplay and punchy line delivery. It is a winning combination, especially for our planetary partner to Earth. The idea of shifting from being a loner to becoming a curious and eager host makes a fun plot arc. It also mirrors many kids who might read their own as their preference. With patience and attention (often from a respectful distance) those kids can discover the warm-hearted welcomes they offer they'd like to offer to others.
This will be a hit with kids of many ages.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Bedia.
Author 12 books27 followers
September 5, 2022
Out of this world! Kids will love going on a journey of intergalactic friendship with MOVING TO MARS. The planet Mars likes peace and quiet. It doesn’t like unexpected visitors even the non-human, roving variety. But then Mars realizes it is no fun being alone and with the help of his intergalactic friends warms to the idea of having permanent residences. Humor and insightfulness abound on every page as Stef Wade skillfully weaves nonfiction elements throughout her clever text. Erin Taylor’s brilliant illustrations draw the reader in page after page. The informative back matter is a bonus for all little space enthusiasts out there. I highly recommend this fun, informative picture book!
787 reviews33 followers
September 16, 2022
Stef Wade has written another great book with Moving to Mars! Moving to Mars is a delightful read and beautifully illustrated book. Stef Wade has written a book full of wit and understanding that teaches children and adults alike the basics of Mars and how the people of Earth are preparing to get there one day. I really loved the Moving to Mars and the witty jokes that were in the book. I believe Moving to Mars would be a great read for everyone and I highly recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.
Profile Image for Kristen Schroeder.
Author 3 books16 followers
November 21, 2022
I love picture books that anthropomorphize objects because when done well, I think it helps create empathy in children. Stef Wade has done a great job of this in MOVING TO MARS! Mars starts out as a curmudgeon who eventually gets in touch with his softer side. The punny humor is great throughout. You know a book is well-written when it can make you laugh and learn at the same time. MOVING TO MARS is a great introduction to space themed material. There's a little bit of back matter that will lead curious kids to ask questions and maybe even want to check out more detailed books and non-fiction sources to continue learning about space. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Hailey Hconroybooks.
149 reviews44 followers
April 19, 2022
This was such a fun read! Mars is a real grump and doesn’t like all the pesky rovers and satellites that keep making a mess on his surface and taking pictures of him. Eventually, Mars warms up to the idea and begins interacting more. But he knows the rovers and satellites aren’t living. He wants humans to visit him.

This is a cute book filled with bright pictures and facts about space. My kids were chuckling at the two moons who liked to tell dad jokes. Thank you to Capstone Publishing and NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kylaslittlelibrary.
583 reviews30 followers
April 30, 2022
Space theme books are a big deal at our house and Moving to Mars has it all.

This book is about the planet Mars and his love of peace and quiet. When he gets some unexpected visitors, he learns that company is not so bad after all. As he prepares for more guests, Mars gets a lesson in waiting. There are so many great lessons to pull from and a few cute jokes to store for later. The illustrations are filled with bold colors and stark contrasts making for engaging pictures to keep your children coming back for more.

Did I start to sound like an infomercial there? Sorry, it really is just that cute.
Profile Image for Catherine Craig (Angelic Light).
1,136 reviews20 followers
June 14, 2022
Mars gets annoyed when he has visitors, as he is the type of planet who likes calm and peace. However, when his visitors leave, he realises that he misses them, so he asks his space friends for comfort.

I found this story really sweet and fun. My daughter and I enjoyed looking at the amazing, bright and colourful images, and it helped my daughter to see what space looks like. She thought the planets looked funny.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kara.
Author 27 books95 followers
July 31, 2022

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy!

A funny picture book showing the planets and moons of our solar system as a group of friends. Mars has gone from grumpy about all the robots and satellites sent from earth to becoming curious and even eager to meet the humans behind the cameras. Earth and the Moon both gush about humans, but warn Mars things will take time for humans to be ready to visit Mars, much as they want to.

The story is up to the minute in showing our ongoing study of Mars, and makes a fun story out of the question will all ask - when will we get there?
Profile Image for Elizabeth Mellen.
1,656 reviews60 followers
February 18, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Capstone for the ARC of this! A cute little picture book featuring Mars as he figures out he wants to make more friends and discusses some of the issues with humans trying to visit just yet. Nice for the 4-8 age range, as a jumping off point or to include a younger child in learning about space. The text was just right and the illustrations were nice. Both of my kids enjoyed it (5 and 8)
Profile Image for OpenedBooks.
216 reviews9 followers
March 2, 2022
What if planets had feelings and what if some of those planets were feeling lonely?

“Moving to Mars” by Stef Wade shows little kids what is needed to make Mars inhabitable for humans. In a fun way, we explore how Mars does everything to make itself attractive to human life like water, oxygen and plants.
Learn some simple facts about Mars in this curious little story by @stef.wade with lively illustrations by @erintaylorillustrator.
Profile Image for Amanda.
103 reviews
March 4, 2022
I read this story with my 3 and 7 year olds - the illustrations are beautiful and captivated my 3yo, my 7yo however was critical of the plot. He said it feels like Mars has to change itself for people to like him, which isn't a great message. We talked about how Mars can be confident in itself and stick with the planet friends he already has made, while learning patience. I feel a bit mixed about the book after the questions my kiddo had. Overall, would love to see it as a series!
Profile Image for Alison.
90 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

This book was ok. It was hard at first to get into. Had some great facts about Mars but presented in a smart and fun way. Good for any age. Would be great for a classroom or library.

The pictures that went with the book were great and I really liked all the bright colors.

Overall, I would probably read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.